Health and Community Services
June 30, 2015
Promoting Community Awareness
Provincial Government Recognizes Arthrogryposis Awareness Day
The Provincial Government is recognizing June 30 as Arthrogryposis Awareness Day to promote greater understanding of the condition and those affected by it.
�Governments around the world recognize those affected by arthrogryposis today, in the hope of increasing awareness and knowledge of this condition. On June 16, I was joined by families and friends of those affected by arthrogryposis to sign a proclamation and officially proclaim Arthrogryposis Awareness Day. By increasing understanding of the condition and talking about the impact that it has on the quality of life for individuals, we will enable the community at large to better support people who live with the challenges of this condition.�
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
Arthrogryposis occurs when multiple joints are stuck in one position and have very little flexibility. There are different types of arthrogryposis, including: amyoplasia, which is non-genetic and due to the muscles failing to develop; as well as Multiple Pterygium/Escober Syndrome, a genetic type of arthrogryposis which occurs when the messages that impact a person's muscle movements are affected. Individuals born with arthrogryposis require stretching and various types of therapy, such as physical, occupational and speech, etc. In some cases, surgical intervention may help improve an individual�s quality of life or personal independence.
Approximately one in 3,000 babies is born with arthrogryposis, and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to wear blue today (June 30) to support those individuals and families affected by this condition.
QUICK FACTS:
- The Provincial Government is recognizing June 30 as Arthrogryposis Awareness Day to bring greater understanding of the condition and those affected by it.
- Arthrogryposis is a condition which occurs when multiple joints are stuck in one position and have very little flexibility.
- Approximately one in 3,000 babies is born with arthrogryposis, and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to wear blue today (June 30) to support those individuals and families affected by this condition.
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Media contact:
Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca |
2015 06 30 10:55 a.m.